1998 MG F VVC 1.8i 145 bhp from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Poor effort, the worst MG to buy, stick to a classic

Faults:

Service history supplied, with head gasket replaced and recalls completed.

Won't tick over correctly.

Poor diagnostic package by now defunct manufacturer.

Won't rev up to manufacturer's claims.

Fuel consumption is poor.

Suspension soft / cornering is poor.

Hood leaks.

Steering has no road feel.

Hand brake useless; new pads have been fitted.

Porous alloys.

Door hinge bushes appear to have disintegrated.

Screaming alternator / AC belt, poor adjustment access.

General Comments:

This car is a complete joke! I could have made a better MG with wood, cardboard, and a set of Silver Cross pram wheels.

I have owned a number of sports cars, British as well as foreign, and this is a poor example. I only wish I hadn't bought it now; egg on my face everyone!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th March, 2012

1998 MG F 1.8 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Excellent performance and looks for the price

Faults:

Snapped gear selector cable - knuckle had been damaged from a bottom-out and a hard change ripped the cable. Expensive repair.

Vandalised hood - twice. Knife wounds can't be repaired. The fabric needs to be replaced. At least $2000 a pop.

General Comments:

I bought this car over 2 years ago with a fairly high odo reading. I drove the car for 10 minutes before falling in love with it and deciding that $90 was a small price to pay for an experienced MG mechanic to give it a thorough examination.

From day 1 I've been impressed with the handling, fuel economy and comfort of the car. I drive the car hard and I'm rewarded with a smile on my face every time. And best of all the fuel economy never goes above 10 or 11 litres per 100kms.

Just be careful of the rear end in the wet - it goes around very easily, although I have a habit of cornering too quickly in all conditions. In the dry it is quite amazing. The only problem I've had is almost losing whole thing trying to take a sweeping 90 degree turn at 85kmh... but I recovered it - although somewhat ungracefully.

The only real problem I've had is the mongrels that decide the soft-top is an easy target. I've had it slashed twice - and this can be an expensive repair if you aren't insured. Or a bonus if you want a new glass rear window ;)

But you know the best part? 90% of the population have no idea what the car is and estimate it costs 2-3 times what I paid for it (ie: $60000). It looks that classy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 27th January, 2006

4th Dec 2006, 02:11

I myself too have an F, though she's a 99. As for the roof, I have found if you hunt around you can get the roof done at less than $2000. Fitted as well. Then again depending on whereabouts that can be a slight problem...

1998 MG F 1.8 mpi from Argentina

Summary:

It's great to drive it and very good looking, but not very reliable

Faults:

Alternator had to be replaced.

Water leaks when it rains.

Radiator had to be replaced.

I had to replaced 2 headlamp because the broke with a stone.

General Comments:

Handles like it's on rails.

Great feeling when you speed.

Engine lucks power.

Great gearbox and grip.

The cabin is very gloomy, it'horrible when you go through a bump.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th November, 2004

1998 MG F 3.0 turbo petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Crashed it not badly - somone pulled out of the drive and I avoided them, and went up the curb and caught the bottom.

£3800 worth of damage just for a curb!

General Comments:

Unless you have money to burn MGF's are not worth it!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st March, 1999

31st Jan 2001, 08:03

Eleven grand for a 3 and a half year old one ain't that bad!